According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), on April 26, the 161st Defense Project Promotion Committee meeting held at the Ministry of Defense in Yongsan, approved the ‘Basic Strategy for the Promotion of Naval Ballistic Missile Interception Missile’ proposal.
From 2025 to 2030, a total of approximately 584 million USD will be allocated to this project to acquire SM-3 missile for ROK Navy’s next-generation Aegis destroyers (KDX-III Batch-II) via foreign military sales (FMS). The ROK Navy’s KDX-III Batch-II Jeongjo the Great class destroyers are equipped with total of 48 MK 41 VLS that can operate SM-3, SM-6 missiles and the most up-to-date version of the Aegis Combat System, Baseline KII based on the Baseline 9.C2 BMD 5.0. Through securing SM-3 missiles, DAPA anticipates an effective response to enemy ballistic missiles threats.
Though not mentioned in the proposal decided today, Naval News has previously reported that South Korea is to upgrade KDX-III Batch-I Sejong the Great class Aegis destroyers to operate SM-3 and SM-6.
About SM-3 interceptor
The RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a surface-to-air exo-atmospheric missile defense interceptor specialized in intercepting ballistic missiles as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. Produced by U.S. defense company Raytheon, the Block IB is capable of intercepting targets at a range of approximately 700 km and an altitude of 500 km.
The Block IIA, jointly developed between Raytheon and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, reportedly has a maximum range of 2,500 km and an interception altitude of 1,000 km. It has currently not been decided which variant between Block IB or Block IIA South Korea will procure. If Block IIA are acquired, it will mark the first procurement of weapon developed with Japanese involvement by South Korea.
South Korea’s long debate over SM-3 procurement
The long-debated controversy over the Republic of Korea’s plan to acquire SM-3 missiles as another asset to its ballistic missile defense system began in 2013, when the Ministry of Defense mentioned it was considering adding SM-3 missiles to establish a multi-layer missile interception system, rather than solely relying on Patriot missile defense systems. There has been a critique that, given the range and operational altitude of the SM-3 missile, it is more suitable for intercepting ballistic missiles targeting U.S. bases in the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. homeland, thus intensifying the controversy over South Korea’s inclusion in the United States’ Missile Defense system.
Considering the geopolitical landscape in Northeast Asia over the years, the reaction of surrounding nations toward the Republic of Korea’s adoption of an advanced ballistic missile defense system such as THAAD has been notably tense. China has voiced strong opposition, fearing that the radar systems could be used to monitor its own missile activities and undermine its strategic security. Meanwhile, North Korea has consistently protested the deployment, viewing it as an escalation in military tensions and a direct threat.
Domestically, the decision to integrate SM-3 missiles has sparked a broad spectrum of opinions. Proponents argue that the acquisition is crucial for national security, given the increasing missile threats from North Korea and the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations. On the other hand, critics caution against over-reliance on American technology and the potential for escalating military tensions in the region. They advocate for a more balanced approach that includes diplomatic efforts and the development of indigenous defense capabilities.
Lastly, the decision to proceed with the SM-3 acquisition, set against the backdrop of these multifaceted debates, reflects the Republic of Korea’s ongoing struggle to reinforce its immediate security needs in response to the growing nuclear threats from North Korea, as well as its capability to contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
CIWS-II and FFX Batch IV also approved
The DAPA Defense Project Promotion Committee also reviewed and approved amendments to the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)-II ‘Basic Strategy for Project Advancement and System Development’, as well as the construction plan for the FFX Batch-IV frigates.
The amendments to the CIWS-II include plans for domestic production and adjustments in procurement volumes for key components such as gun systems, reflecting changes in project duration and quantities. These adjustments respond to the evolving nature of CIWS development, particularly due to the increasing threat from drones. Initiated in 2021, the project aims to enhance the survivability and operational capabilities of ROK Navy ships and is slated to continue until 2036, with a total budget of approximately 650 million USD. LIG Nex1 is the prime contractor for this program.
The FFX Batch-IV project involves constructing the latest class of frigates to replace aging corvettes and other light combat vessels. This project marks the completion of the modern frigate acquisitions from FFX Batch-I through Batch-IV, scheduled from 2023 to 2032, with a budget of about 2.364 billion USD. Naval News will soon publish an article dedicated to this program.
